Mimika Regency, Indonesian province of Central Papua
Kamoro tribe – Maramowe (carver)

Wood, reptile skin head, fiber
Collected Mid 20th century
Length: 22 in
Membranophones – Directly Struck

An exceptional and rare ancestor drum (eme) of the Kamoro tribe from the Mimika Regency in the Indonesian province of Central Papua. The Kamoro are one of the indigenous Papuan tribes who still adhere to the values of their unique traditions and culture.  Carving of objects, including this Kamoro drum called eme  has both an aesthetic, as well as spiritual and religious meaning to these outstanding wood carvers.  This is why only members of certain clans of the Kamoro tribe are allowed to craft certain designs and objects.  A major ritual for Kamoro boys called Karapao, is performed to establish the customary rights for them to carry on their lineage traditions as carvers, dancers, and singers for traditional rituals, or other roles. The carvers from the Kamoro tribe are called Maramowe.

There are few types of  Kamoro wood carvings: yamate (shield), eme (drum), lung (sago bowl), wemawe (statue of person), po (paddle), and the most sacred is mbitoro (ancestral totem).  Canoes are also carved and have special meaning. This drum is made from selected carved hibiscus wood.  The drumhead is made from the dried skin of a monitor lizard.  

Resource: https://westpapuadiary.com/unusual-kamoro-woodcarving-arts-in-west-papua/